Following the team with a unique perspective on all things Phillies.Email me: PhilliesPhollowers@comcast.net – Peace, Love & Baseball – Jenn

Martinez and Moyer Combine To Beat The D-Backs

To all the critics who said my 5 ½ man rotation idea with Jamie Moyer and Pedro Martinez sharing the 5th starters spot would not work, it is my pleasure to report that in fact, it did work.The Phillies did not enter into the situation purposely as Mother Nature intervened with a long rain delay, but maybe that was a sign from a higher power?Even former pitcher Ricky Botallico said after the game, “These two guys maybe should be our 5th starter together.”

Pedro Martinez pitched 3 very good innings allowing only a lead-off home run; after that, the rain came.Enter Jamie Moyer:True to his word to be ready when the team needed him, Moyer pitched the final 6 innings brilliantly.Without allowing a run, Moyer gave up only 2 hits and at one point, he retired 11 batter in a row.The bullpen was given a much needed rest and the Phillies won the game against the D-Backs 5-1.Anyone care to tell me how that is a bad thing?

After the game, Martinez commented on the situation by saying, “You never know what you’ll get when you put two old goats out there… See what you get? Two for the price of one.”If these two “old goats” can combine for a 1 run, 4-hit game every time, why would you not do that?Even if it means having to use an extra pinch hitter, it is worth it.Will it happen again?That remains to be seen, but Martinez and Moyer are now on the exact same schedule – coincidence or fate?You be the judge.

As for the offense, despite leaving the bases loaded twice, once with no outs and a second time with 1 out, they still got the job done.Jayson Werth hit his career high 25th home run of the year and also had a double that scored another run.Carlos Ruiz was on fire as well, going 3 for 3 with 2 RBI and a solo homer.And the other offensive star?Jamie Moyer.Putting many other Phillies to shame, Moyer went 2 for 3 in the game.Maybe Moyer should have batted with the bases loaded instead of Ryan Howard, who struck out twice in the situation?Ok, maybe not ;O)

Tonight should also be an epic day for pitching as Cliff Lee will face the D-Backs ace, Dan Haren.I will be at the game and report back with photos as usual.Go Phillies!

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